Enjoy ten days combining a private Masai Mara safari with time beside the Indian Ocean. Begin with one night in Nairobi, spend three nights exploring the Mara, then fly to Diani Beach for five nights on an all-inclusive basis. Flexible game drives and four full beach leisure days give your family time for wildlife, rest and activities together.
From USD 3,295 per adult sharing. See the Family Prices section for child rates, applicable dates and room-sharing conditions.
Safari Quick Facts
| Safari detail | Package information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Route | Nairobi → Masai Mara → Diani Beach → Nairobi |
| Start point | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi |
| End point | Nairobi, with onward transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where required |
| Travel style | Family safari and beach holiday, with a road journey to the Mara and domestic flights to Diani and back to Nairobi |
| Safari vehicle | 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof |
| Nairobi accommodation | 1 night at Argyle Grand Hotel |
| Masai Mara accommodation | 3 nights at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge |
| Diani Beach accommodation | 5 nights at Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel |
| Room arrangement | Family rooms, with beds and occupancy confirmed according to your children’s ages and family size |
| Swimming pools | Available at all three properties; children require parental supervision |
| Included domestic flights | Masai Mara → Diani and Diani → Nairobi |
| Included transfers | Arrival airport transfer, Nairobi–Mara road transfer, Mara airstrip transfer, Diani airport transfers and Nairobi airport connection transfer where required |
| Adult starting price | USD 3,295 per person, aged 18 years and above |
| Child starting price: 3–11.99 years | USD 1,740 per child sharing family accommodation |
| Child starting price: 12–17.99 years | USD 2,480 per child sharing family accommodation |
| Children below 3 years | Free |
| Price basis | Two adults travelling together, with children sharing family accommodation |
| International departure planning | Your Diani–Nairobi flight and any airport transfer are coordinated around your onward international flight; connection timings must be confirmed before booking |
Kenya Family Safari & Beach Holiday Highlights
- Three nights in the Masai Mara: Enjoy wildlife drives with your guide, looking for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and other animals across the reserve.
- A relaxed holiday rhythm: Settle into longer stays, with two full safari days followed by five nights beside the Indian Ocean.
- Family accommodation throughout: Stay together in family rooms at Argyle Grand Hotel, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge and Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel, with room configurations confirmed for your family.
- Swimming pools at every property: Enjoy opportunities to cool off and relax between activities. Children must remain under parental supervision.
- An included flight from the Mara to Diani: Continue from your safari to the coast by air, with airstrip and hotel transfers arranged.
- Five nights at Diani Beach: Unwind with an all-inclusive beach stay before your included domestic flight back to Nairobi.
Your Family Holiday at a Glance
Planning a safari with children means considering travel time, sleeping arrangements and time to relax. Here are the practical details of your ten-day Kenya safari and Diani Beach holiday.
| Your question | Your holiday arrangements |
|---|---|
| How much travelling is involved? | Travel from Nairobi to Masai Mara by private road transfer, allowing approximately 6 hours, with comfort stops. After three nights in the Mara, fly from Keekorok Airstrip to Ukunda Airstrip for Diani Beach. On Day 10, fly from Ukunda to JKIA, Nairobi. Flight schedules and transfer timings are confirmed with your booking. |
| Where will our children sleep? | Stay 1 night at Argyle Grand Hotel, 3 nights at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge and 5 nights at Papillon Lagoon Reef. Papillon offers family rooms with a queen bed and two studio beds in a separate area. Bedding and occupancy at each property are confirmed for your children’s ages; connecting rooms at Mara Sopa are requested subject to availability. |
| What does our family pay? | Starting rates are USD 3,295 per adult, USD 1,740 per child aged 3–11 and USD 2,480 per teenager aged 12–17. For two adults and children aged 8 and 14, the example total is USD 10,810, subject to eligible travel dates and qualifying room arrangements. Request a quotation for your exact dates and family composition. |
| How much beach time do we get? | Enjoy 5 nights at Diani Beach, with 4 full leisure days on Days 6–9. Additional beach time on arrival and departure days depends on flight schedules. |
| Are domestic flights and transfers included? | Yes. Both Keekorok–Ukunda and Ukunda–JKIA flights are included, together with your arrival airport transfer, lodge-to-airstrip transfer and transfers between Ukunda Airstrip and Papillon Lagoon Reef. Domestic flight baggage allowance is 15 kg per person. |
| Can we adjust the pace? | Your safari uses a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and dedicated driver-guide. Discuss shorter game drives, comfort breaks and time at the lodge with your guide, within park hours and the day’s travel requirements. Diani leisure days can be spent relaxing or enjoying separately priced optional excursions. |
| How do we connect home? | Your final domestic flight arrives at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where you can connect with an international departure. Share your onward flight details before booking so we can check connection time and any terminal transfer requirements. |
Please include your travel dates, each child’s age at the time of travel and preferred sleeping arrangements when requesting your family quotation.
Detailed 10-Day Kenya Family Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kenya – Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where an African Paradise Safaris representative will welcome your family and arrange your transfer to Argyle Grand Hotel. After your journey, the remainder of the day is free to settle into your family accommodation and rest. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a meal at the hotel or spend some time beside the swimming pool while the children unwind under your supervision. Your safari arrangements and the following morning’s departure will be reconfirmed, giving you time to prepare for your journey to the Masai Mara.
Accommodation: Argyle Grand Hotel – family room
Meals: Bed and breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense
Day 2: Nairobi to the Masai Mara – Your Safari Begins
After breakfast, meet your safari driver-guide and leave Nairobi for the Masai Mara in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. This is the main road journey of your holiday, with comfort stops along the way and opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery. Continue towards Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, your base for the next three nights. Depending on road conditions and arrival time, settle in and enjoy lunch before an afternoon game drive. Your guide introduces the family to the reserve’s landscapes and wildlife, looking for animals such as giraffes, elephants, zebras and antelopes before returning for dinner.
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – family accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Masai Mara Wildlife Drives & Family Relaxation
Spend your first full day discovering the Masai Mara with your guide. Set out in search of wildlife, watching for elephants moving across the plains, giraffes browsing and lions resting or hunting. Your guide explains animal behaviour in an accessible way, helping younger travellers notice tracks, birds and smaller creatures as well as the larger mammals. The day’s programme can include separate morning and afternoon drives with a lodge break, or a longer outing with a packed lunch, agreed with your guide. Return to Masai Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner and time together after an exciting day.
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – family accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Another Day Exploring the Masai Mara
Enjoy a second full day in the Masai Mara, giving your family more time to explore without changing accommodation. Your guide plans the wildlife drives according to recent sightings, weather and your children’s comfort. Look for buffalo, hippos, big cats and the many grazing animals that support this remarkable ecosystem. There is time to pause, take photographs and enjoy the experience rather than rush between sightings. Depending on the agreed programme, return to the lodge between drives for lunch and relaxation. Wildlife encounters vary each day, and particular species, migration herds or river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodation: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – family accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Fly from the Masai Mara to Diani Beach
After breakfast, transfer to the designated Mara airstrip for your included domestic flight to Diani. Your departure time determines the morning’s arrangements, so an additional game drive is not promised today. Enjoy the changing views as you leave the safari landscapes behind and travel towards Kenya’s coast. On arrival, meet your transfer driver and continue to Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel, where your family will spend five nights. Settle into your family room and begin the beach part of your holiday. Depending on arrival time, enjoy lunch, explore the resort or take a relaxed stroll along the shore.
Accommodation: Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel – family room
Meals: Breakfast and all-inclusive resort meals from arrival; lunch depends on flight timing
Day 6: Diani Beach – A Day to Unwind
Wake up beside the Indian Ocean and enjoy your first full day at Diani Beach. With no scheduled transfers or safari departures, your family can settle into a slower routine. Spend the morning on the sand, enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool or relax in the gardens between meals. Children can enjoy time with their parents while adults appreciate the chance to rest after the safari. Resort activities may be available according to the hotel’s programme, with any additional charges explained locally. Before entering the ocean, check the tide and conditions with hotel staff, and keep children closely supervised around water.
Accommodation: Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel – family room
Meals: All-inclusive, including scheduled meals and selected drinks
Day 7: Diani at Your Own Pace or an Optional Excursion
Enjoy another leisurely day in Diani, choosing between beach relaxation and an optional outing. Families interested in exploring can ask about suitable boat trips, marine excursions or local visits, with recommendations based on children’s ages, weather and sea conditions. These activities are optional and quoted separately, so you can decide how much to include without filling every day. Alternatively, remain at Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel and enjoy its pool, gardens and beachfront setting. Return to your family room whenever the children need a rest, then come together for dinner and an easy evening at the resort.
Accommodation: Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel – family room
Meals: All-inclusive at the resort; meals during optional excursions depend on the excursion booked
Day 8: Family Beach Time & Resort Leisure
Today is completely free for your family to enjoy Diani at a comfortable pace. After breakfast, head to the beach for a walk or spend time by the swimming pool, taking breaks from the sun as needed. You may choose to join an available resort activity or simply enjoy time together with no fixed programme. A five-night beach stay gives children room to settle into familiar surroundings and parents the flexibility to balance activity with rest. Lunch and dinner are available through the hotel’s all-inclusive programme, making it easy to organise the day around your family’s routine.
Accommodation: Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel – family room
Meals: All-inclusive, including scheduled meals and selected drinks
Day 9: Your Final Full Day at Diani Beach
Make the most of your final full day on Kenya’s coast. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before returning to your favourite spot beside the pool or taking another walk along Diani Beach. Keep the day unhurried, with time for family photographs, swimming and rest before the journey home. If you would like a final optional activity, arrange it in advance and allow time to pack afterwards. Your airport transfer and the following day’s domestic flight details will be reconfirmed. In the evening, share dinner at the hotel and reflect on your favourite wildlife encounters and beach moments.
Accommodation: Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel – family room
Meals: All-inclusive, including scheduled meals and selected drinks
Day 10: Fly to Nairobi & Connect with Your Flight Home
After breakfast, subject to your departure time, check out and meet your driver for the transfer to the airport serving your Diani–Nairobi flight. Your domestic flight and associated transfers are included in the holiday price. On arrival in Nairobi, an onward transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is provided if your domestic service lands at Wilson Airport. The flight schedule must allow sufficient time for baggage collection, any road transfer and international check-in. Share your proposed international flight details before booking so the connection can be checked. Your Kenya family safari and Diani Beach holiday ends with your onward departure.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast, subject to departure time
Included transport: Diani airport transfer, domestic flight to Nairobi and Nairobi airport connection transfer where required
Travel Times & Family-Friendly Safari Pace
This itinerary combines three nights in Masai Mara with five nights at Diani Beach, reducing hotel changes and allowing time to settle into each destination.
| Day | Travel and activities | Timing and breaks |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi | Transfer from JKIA to Argyle Grand Hotel. | Allow approximately 15–30 minutes by road, depending on traffic and airport exit arrangements. The remainder of the day is for rest; room access depends on check-in time. |
| Day 2: Nairobi → Masai Mara | Private road transfer to Mara Sopa Lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive if time permits. | Plan an approximately 07:00 departure and allow 6–7 hours including comfort stops. Aim to reach the lodge around 13:00–14:00, subject to traffic, road conditions and reserve entry formalities. Have lunch and a break before heading out. |
| Days 3–4: Masai Mara | Flexible game drives from the same lodge. | For younger children, discuss shorter outings of around 2–3 hours, with time back at the lodge between drives. Longer excursions with a picnic lunch can be arranged when suitable for your family. |
| Day 5: Masai Mara → Diani Beach | Transfer to Keekorok Airstrip, fly to Ukunda and transfer to Papillon Lagoon Reef. | Allow approximately 1 hour from the lodge to Keekorok, plus the airline’s required check-in time. Allow roughly 15–30 minutes from Ukunda to the resort. Resort arrival depends on the confirmed flight schedule. |
| Days 6–9: Diani Beach | Four full leisure days, with no compulsory excursions. | Spend the days at your own pace. Optional activities can be selected around your children’s interests and rest times. |
| Day 10: Diani → JKIA | Transfer to Ukunda Airstrip and fly to Nairobi for your onward journey. | Resort collection and flight times are arranged around the confirmed domestic schedule. Your international connection is checked before flights are booked. |
Game Drives with Younger Children
Your private vehicle allows your guide to discuss departure times, outing lengths and breaks with you. Let us know your children’s ages, usual nap times and any motion-sickness concerns before travel.
Morning and afternoon drives can be separated by lunch and rest at the lodge. A full-day game drive is optional rather than necessary every day. Please tell your guide when children need a break; toilet and stretching stops must be made at suitable, permitted locations.
Returning to the lodge takes time and depends on how far you have travelled. Your guide will plan the route with this in mind, while observing park opening hours and wildlife-viewing rules.
All road timings are planning estimates. Flight-dependent arrival windows are provided once your domestic flights are confirmed.
Family Accommodation – All 9 Nights
Your holiday includes one night in Nairobi, three nights in Masai Mara and five nights at Diani Beach. Room arrangements are selected according to your family size, children’s ages and each property’s permitted occupancy.
| Nights | Property | Meal plan |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi | Bed and breakfast |
| Nights 2–4 | Masai Mara Sopa Lodge | Full board |
| Nights 5–9 | Papillon Lagoon Reef, Diani Beach | All-inclusive |
Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi – 1 Night
Your first night provides time to rest after arrival before travelling to Masai Mara.
The hotel lists Family King and Deluxe Twin room categories. The exact number and size of beds, permitted occupancy for two adults and two children, connecting-room availability and cot arrangements will be confirmed for your booking. A Family King room should not automatically be assumed to accommodate four guests.
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge – 3 Nights
Accommodation is in cottage-style guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets and sheltered verandas. The lodge describes queen- and king-size bedding and confirms that it has four interconnecting rooms.
For families, we request a suitable shared-room arrangement or interconnecting rooms according to the children’s ages. Your quotation will identify the number of rooms and beds provided. Maximum occupancy, any additional beds and cot availability require confirmation from the lodge. Interconnecting rooms are limited and must be specifically confirmed.
Papillon Lagoon Reef, Diani Beach – 5 Nights
The hotel’s Family Rooms have one queen bed and two studio beds in a separate area, together with two bathrooms and a furnished balcony or patio overlooking the gardens. This provides separate sleeping areas within the family accommodation.
The family room is listed for up to four guests. Acceptance of your particular adult-and-child combination remains subject to the children’s ages and the hotel’s booking conditions. Cots for children aged 0–2 are listed as available on request, subject to availability; a cot must be confirmed before travel.
Your Confirmed Family Room Arrangement
Please provide each child’s age at the time of travel and tell us whether you prefer one shared family room or connecting rooms.
Your quotation will specify:
- The room category and number of rooms at each property.
- The beds allocated to adults and children.
- The permitted occupancy for your family.
- Whether connecting rooms or a cot have been confirmed.
- Any price difference for the agreed arrangement.
Rooms next to each other are not necessarily internally connected. Any alternative room arrangement will be agreed with you before booking.
10 Days Kenya Family Safari & Diani Beach Holiday Prices 2027–2028
Prices below are in USD per person for the ten-day holiday, including nine nights’ accommodation and the included domestic flights.
Adult and Child Starting Prices
| Traveller category | Age at time of travel | Starting price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 18 years and above | USD 3,295 |
| Child | 3–11 years inclusive | USD 1,740 |
| Teenager | 12–17 years inclusive | USD 2,480 |
| Infant | Under 3 years | Free, subject to the confirmed accommodation and airline arrangements |
Room-Sharing Basis
Adult rates are per person sharing. Child and teenager rates apply when sharing accommodation with paying adults.
Your quotation will specify the room category, bedding and occupancy at Argyle Grand Hotel, Mara Sopa Lodge and Papillon Lagoon Reef. A single family room accommodating two adults and two children must be confirmed at each property. Connecting rooms or separate rooms may change the total price.
Example Price: Two Adults and Two Children
For a family travelling with children aged 8 and 14, the starting-price calculation is:
| Family member | Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult 1 | USD 3,295 |
| Adult 2 | USD 3,295 |
| Child aged 8 | USD 1,740 |
| Teenager aged 14 | USD 2,480 |
| Total for the family | USD 10,810 |
This example applies where the quoted starting rates and qualifying room arrangements are available for your dates.
Travel Seasons and Final Pricing
Starting-price travel dates: 1st Jan – 30th June.
Rates for other dates, including school holidays and festive departures, are quoted separately. Your written quotation will show the total for your travel dates, children’s ages and agreed room arrangements.
What’s Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Accommodation & meals
- Nine nights’ accommodation in the family room arrangements confirmed in your booking.
- One night at Argyle Grand Hotel, including breakfast.
- Three nights at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Five nights at Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel, on an all-inclusive basis covering scheduled meals, snacks and selected drinks within the hotel’s package.
- Packed safari lunches when arranged instead of lunch at the lodge.
Safari transport & activities
- Road transfer from Nairobi to the Masai Mara in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof.
- Services of an English-speaking safari driver-guide during the safari section.
- Masai Mara game drives as specified in the confirmed itinerary.
- Masai Mara National Reserve entry fees for the scheduled reserve visits.
- Drinking water during safari drives.
Domestic flights
- Masai Mara → Diani: Included domestic flight on Day 5.
- Diani → Nairobi: Included domestic flight on Day 10.
Airport & airstrip transfers
- Arrival transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Argyle Grand Hotel.
- Transfer from Masai Mara Sopa Lodge to the designated Mara airstrip.
- Arrival transfer from the Diani arrival airport to Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel.
- Departure transfer from Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel to the Diani departure airport.
- Wilson Airport–JKIA transfer, where required for your confirmed international connection.
What’s Excluded
- International flights to and from Kenya.
- Travel insurance.
- Passport, visa or other entry-authorisation costs, where applicable.
- Lunch and dinner during the Nairobi hotel stay.
- Drinks outside the specified meal plans and Diani all-inclusive selection.
- Optional activities, including balloon safaris, cultural visits, marine excursions and water sports, unless expressly included in your quotation.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Laundry, spa treatments, shopping and other personal expenses.
- Airline excess-baggage charges or an additional seat purchased for an infant.
- Additional accommodation, day rooms or services outside the confirmed itinerary.
Flight and connection planning: Share your international flight details before booking. Your Diani–Nairobi service and any airport transfer will be selected to allow an appropriate connection, subject to available schedules.
Safari Vehicle, Guide & Family Travel Style
Enjoy the safari section of your holiday in a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, accompanied by an English-speaking driver-guide. Your vehicle is reserved for your travelling party, allowing the day’s programme to reflect your family’s interests and children’s comfort.
Comfortable Safari Travel for Families
| Feature | Your family’s safari arrangements |
|---|---|
| Safari operation | Private road transfer and game drives for your travelling party |
| Vehicle | 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing |
| Seating | A window seat for every traveller occupying a seat; maximum seven passengers per vehicle |
| Driver-guide | English-speaking safari driver-guide during the Nairobi–Masai Mara safari section |
| Game-drive rhythm | Planned with your guide, allowing for children’s attention spans, meal times and comfort breaks |
| Lodge breaks | Morning and afternoon drives can allow a return to the lodge between outings |
| Longer outings | A longer game drive with a packed lunch can be arranged within the confirmed safari programme |
| Child seating | Tell us your children’s ages when booking so suitable child-restraint arrangements can be confirmed |
Your guide helps younger travellers discover animal tracks, birds and wildlife behaviour alongside the larger mammals. Game-drive routes depend on sightings, weather, road conditions and reserve rules.
Everyone must remain seated while the vehicle is moving and follow the guide’s instructions around wildlife. Children remain under their accompanying adults’ supervision throughout the holiday.
Your domestic flights are scheduled passenger services shared with other travellers. Beach excursions are optional, with their operating arrangements confirmed separately.
Transport, Domestic Flights & Airport Transfers
Your holiday combines a private road safari from Nairobi to Masai Mara with domestic flights to Diani Beach and back to Nairobi.
| Journey | Transport | Included |
|---|---|---|
| JKIA → Argyle Grand Hotel | Arrival airport transfer | Yes |
| Nairobi → Mara Sopa Lodge, Masai Mara | Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof; approximately 5–6 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and stops | Yes |
| Masai Mara game drives | Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with your driver-guide | Yes |
| Mara Sopa Lodge → Keekorok Airstrip | Transfer for your flight to Diani | Yes |
| Keekorok Airstrip → Ukunda Airstrip | Domestic flight to Diani Beach | Yes |
| Ukunda Airstrip → Papillon Lagoon Reef | Airport transfer to your beach resort | Yes |
| Papillon Lagoon Reef → Ukunda Airstrip | Airport transfer for your return flight | Yes |
| Ukunda Airstrip → Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) | Domestic flight to Nairobi | Yes |
Domestic Flight Baggage Allowance
The included domestic flights have a 15 kg baggage allowance per person. Pack in soft-sided bags suitable for safari aircraft. Your flight confirmation will specify whether hand luggage forms part of this allowance. Additional baggage is subject to airline approval, aircraft capacity and any applicable charges.
Arrival and Departure Planning
Please share your international flight details before booking so we can coordinate your arrival transfer and final-day connection at JKIA. Domestic flight times
Best Time for a Kenya Family Safari & Diani Holiday
January–February and July–October are useful starting points when choosing dates, balancing safari travel with beach time. Kenya’s tourism board identifies December–March and July–October as popular travel periods, with December–March particularly attractive for coastal sunshine. Weather varies between the Mara and Diani, so no month guarantees dry conditions throughout your holiday.
Seasonal Planning Guide
| Travel period | Masai Mara safari | Diani Beach | Family planning considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| January–February | Generally drier conditions and opportunities to explore the reserve’s resident wildlife | Typically hot, with good opportunities for beach time | Plan shade and rest breaks, especially for younger children |
| March–May | Rain becomes more likely; greener landscapes and wet tracks can affect drives | Wetter conditions can interrupt beach and marine activities | Choose these months with flexibility about weather and outdoor plans |
| June | A transition towards the main safari season; conditions vary | Beach time remains possible, with variable wind and sea conditions | Consider for families travelling before the busiest holiday weeks |
| July–October | Popular safari months, with seasonal migration herds potentially present | Generally a useful period for combining safari and coast, although wind and showers remain possible | Reserve family rooms and domestic flights early |
| November–December | Short rains can bring greener scenery and changing driving conditions | Warm coastal conditions, with showers possible | Christmas and New Year require early planning and may carry supplements |
Seasonal patterns are a guide rather than a forecast. Rainfall, sea conditions and wildlife movements vary each year.
School Holidays & Family Room Availability
For July–August, Christmas, New Year and Easter travel, enquire early so we can coordinate family rooms at all three properties with the domestic flights. Availability in one hotel does not necessarily mean the complete itinerary is available.
Share your preferred dates, children’s ages and any flexibility when requesting a quotation. This helps us check room occupancy, flight seats and the best available combination for your family.
Wildlife & Great Migration Expectations
The Masai Mara offers wildlife viewing beyond the migration season. Your guide will look for resident animals, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo and big cats, according to conditions and recent sightings.
If migration viewing is a priority, tell us before booking so we can discuss your dates and the practical reach of game drives from Masai Mara Sopa Lodge. Migration herds, river crossings, individual species and Big Five sightings cannot be guaranteed. This itinerary balances wildlife exploration with family comfort and beach relaxation.
Travelling With Children: Rooms, Meals & Swimming
Your family’s comfort starts with the right room arrangement and a manageable daily routine. Share your children’s ages, sleeping preferences and dietary requirements when enquiring so African Paradise Safaris can plan the details before you travel.
Family Rooms, Beds & Cots
Family accommodation is planned throughout your stay at Argyle Grand Hotel, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge and Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel. The exact beds and maximum occupancy depend on the room category allocated by each property.
| Family requirement | How it is arranged |
|---|---|
| Children sharing with parents | Child prices apply when sharing the confirmed family accommodation with two adults |
| Bed configuration | Your quotation will specify the proposed beds and whether children use separate beds or share |
| Maximum room occupancy | Checked against each property’s permitted number of adults and children |
| Cots | Requested in advance, subject to availability; any charge is confirmed before booking |
| Larger families | Additional or connecting rooms may be required, with availability and any price adjustment explained |
| Teenagers | Provide their ages and preferred sleeping arrangements so suitable beds can be requested |
Children’s Meals & Dietary Requests
The holiday combines breakfast in Nairobi, full-board accommodation in the Masai Mara and an all-inclusive stay in Diani. During safari days, your guide coordinates meal stops with the agreed game-drive programme.
Tell us about allergies, vegetarian meals, religious dietary requirements or other food preferences before booking. We will pass these requests to the properties and explain what they can accommodate. Families travelling with babies should also discuss suitable food, preparation and storage requirements in advance.
For serious food allergies, specific ingredients and cross-contamination precautions must be confirmed directly with the accommodation’s catering team.
Swimming Pools & Beach Time
All three properties have swimming pools, providing opportunities to relax between journeys and activities. Follow each property’s pool rules and opening hours.
Children must remain under the close supervision of a parent or responsible accompanying adult. Accommodation staff presence does not replace parental supervision, and dedicated lifeguard coverage should only be assumed where explicitly confirmed.
At Diani Beach, ask hotel staff about tides, sea conditions and suitable swimming areas before entering the water. Children should always be accompanied at the beach and in the ocean.
Practical Arrangements for Younger Travellers
- Comfort breaks: Discuss children’s needs with your guide before road journeys and game drives.
- Child restraints: Request suitable arrangements when booking; availability and compatibility must be confirmed.
- Rest time: Use lodge breaks and free beach days to maintain a comfortable routine.
- Strollers: Tell us before travel so airline acceptance and vehicle storage can be checked.
- Daily essentials: Keep sun hats, sunscreen, a light layer and necessary personal items accessible during transfers.
Optional Family Activities
Your holiday already includes the game drives specified in your itinerary, accommodation, meals under the stated plans, domestic flights and listed transfers. Optional excursions are charged separately unless expressly included in your written quotation.
Included Experiences
- Guided Masai Mara game drives within the confirmed safari programme.
- Time to enjoy the accommodation’s swimming pools during operating hours.
- Diani Beach leisure time.
- Resort entertainment and activities included within Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel’s programme.
Activities Available at an Additional Cost
| Optional activity | What to expect | Age & participation conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara balloon safari | An early-morning balloon experience, subject to weather and operator availability | Minimum age, height and other participation requirements vary by operator; suitability must be confirmed before payment |
| Maasai cultural visit | An organised community visit offering an introduction to local traditions | Confirm suitability for your children and the visit’s duration; ask permission before taking photographs |
| Diani boat or snorkelling excursion | A coastal outing selected according to your family’s interests | Minimum ages, life-jacket sizes, swimming ability requirements and sea conditions must be checked |
| Marine park day trip | A longer excursion that may combine road transfers and boat travel | Best assessed against children’s ages, journey length and comfort on boats |
| Diving or specialist water sports | Activities arranged through an appropriate local operator | Operator-specific minimum ages, training, ability and health requirements apply |
| Spa treatments | Treatments available through participating accommodation or local providers | Minimum age and parental-consent requirements vary |
Ask us for current prices and suitable operators before adding an activity. For excursions involving children, we will seek confirmation of the applicable age limits and participation requirements rather than apply one age rule to every provider.
You can also leave your Diani days completely free. Optional activities are not necessary to enjoy the holiday.
Why Book With African Paradise Safaris?
Planning a family safari involves more than selecting hotels. Room occupancy, children’s ages, safari timing and domestic connections all need to work together. African Paradise Safaris brings these arrangements into one coordinated holiday plan.
Experienced Safari Planning
Your holiday planning is supported by John Peter, Senior East Africa Safari Specialist & Operations Manager, with more than 16 years of experience. That practical knowledge helps shape a route that balances wildlife exploration, travel time and rest.
A Route Designed Around Longer Stays
This itinerary uses just three accommodation bases: one night in Nairobi, three in the Masai Mara and five in Diani. Your family has time to settle in, while the included flight from the Mara to the coast reduces the need for another lengthy road journey.
Room Arrangements Checked for Your Family
We use your children’s ages and family size to check room capacity, bed arrangements and applicable child rates. Your quotation sets out the proposed accommodation so you can review how everyone will be accommodated before booking.
Coordinated Flights & Transfers
We arrange both domestic flight sectors alongside the airport, airstrip and hotel transfers. Your proposed international departure is checked against the available Diani–Nairobi schedule, including any required transfer between Nairobi’s airports.
Clear Costs Before You Commit
Receive a written quotation showing your family total, accommodation, meal plans, included services and any supplements. Optional excursions are identified separately, helping you choose what suits your family and budget.
A Named Contact for Your Arrangements
Your booking documents provide the contact details for assistance with your itinerary and transfers. Before departure, we reconfirm the practical arrangements so you know where you will be met and what happens at each stage of the journey.
Guest Experiences – African Paradise Safaris
The following summaries draw on TripAdvisor reviews of African Paradise Safaris. Travellers describe different itineraries; their experiences highlight our family planning, guiding and travel coordination.
A Three-Generation Kenya Family Safari
Traveller: Suheda E
Travel month: February 2026
Group type: Family of 10, including grandparents and grandchildren
Suheda praised adaptable planning, comfortable camps and patient guides during a six-day Kenya safari. The route included Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara.
Highlights: Multigenerational planning, accommodation and wildlife guiding.
Support When Travel Plans Changed
Traveller: lisa
Location: Lincoln, United Kingdom
Travel month: January 2025
Group type: Friends, 11 travellers
Lisa appreciated the safari arrangements and help resolving problems, including transport to retrieve delayed luggage from Nairobi airport.
Highlights: Group coordination and practical assistance.
Patient Planning & Migration Viewing
Traveller: Hong J
Travel month: August 2024
Group type: Eight friends
Hong highlighted patient communication, flexibility and guide Ken’s wildlife expertise during a Kenya–Tanzania safari that included migration sightings.
Highlights: Responsive planning and experienced guiding.
A Memorable First Kenya Safari
Traveller: Peimeng L
Travel month: September 2023
Group type: Couple
Peimeng valued accessible communication, flexible arrangements and guide Joseph’s thoughtful explanations during a first safari in Kenya.
Highlights: Personal attention and informative game drives.
Coordination Across a Two-Country Safari
Traveller: JOSIE SU
Location: San Francisco, United States
Travel month: September 2023
Group type: Friends, 12 travellers
Josie praised patient guides and coordination of accommodation, transfers and itinerary changes throughout a Kenya–Tanzania journey.
Highlights: Travel logistics and attentive guiding.
Read guest reviews on TripAdvisor
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 10 Days Kenya Family Safari & Diani Beach Holiday cost?
Prices start from USD 3,295 per adult, based on two adults travelling together, with children sharing family accommodation. Children aged 3–11.99 years pay from USD 1,740, while those aged 12–17.99 years pay from USD 2,480. Children below three travel free under the package’s confirmed infant arrangements. Travellers aged 18 and above pay the adult rate.
Your final quotation confirms the price for your dates, family size and room arrangements.
Which domestic flights are included?
The package includes Masai Mara to Diani on Day 5 and Diani to Nairobi on Day 10, together with the associated airport and airstrip transfers. The airline, departure airstrip, arrival airport and any intermediate stops or connections are confirmed when booking. International flights are excluded.
Do we drive or fly from Nairobi to the Masai Mara?
You travel by road from Nairobi to the Masai Mara on Day 2, with comfort stops along the way. After three nights at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, you fly to Diani rather than return to Nairobi by road.
Is the safari private or shared?
Your Nairobi–Masai Mara road journey and scheduled game drives use a private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a driver-guide, reserved for your travelling party. Domestic flights are scheduled services shared with other passengers.
Will our children stay in the same room as us?
Family accommodation is planned throughout the holiday. The exact room category, beds and permitted occupancy are checked against your children’s ages and family size. Your quotation confirms whether everyone can share one room or whether a different arrangement is required.
Are cots and separate beds available?
Cots and particular bed configurations can be requested in advance, subject to each property’s availability and room capacity. Tell us whether your children require separate beds and whether you need a cot. Any additional charges will be explained before booking.
What is the total for two adults and two children?
Starting family totals are:
| Children travelling with two adults | Starting family total |
|---|---|
| Two children aged 3–11.99 years | USD 10,070 |
| One child aged 3–11.99 and one aged 12–17.99 years | USD 10,810 |
| Two children aged 12–17.99 years | USD 11,550 |
These totals depend on travel dates, availability and the confirmed family room occupancy.
Are airport transfers and Masai Mara park fees included?
Yes. The package includes the listed arrival, hotel, airstrip and departure transfers, plus Masai Mara National Reserve entry fees for the scheduled reserve visits. A transfer between Wilson Airport and JKIA is included where required by your confirmed departure arrangements. Additional excursions and services outside the itinerary are charged separately.
What meals are included?
Your stay includes breakfast in Nairobi, breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Masai Mara, and all-inclusive accommodation at Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel. The beach hotel’s package covers scheduled meals, snacks and selected drinks. Meal availability on flight days depends on departure and arrival times.
Can we fly from Diani and connect with our international flight on Day 10?
A same-day connection can be arranged when suitable flight schedules are available. Share your proposed international departure before purchasing the ticket so we can check the domestic arrival time, baggage collection, any airport transfer and international check-in requirements.
If the available schedule does not allow a suitable connection, an additional Nairobi night may be recommended and quoted separately.
What luggage can we bring on the domestic flights?
Use soft-sided bags and pack lightly for the safari flight. Your booking confirmation will state the allowance for each sector, including whether hand luggage and camera equipment count towards the total. Request approval in advance for strollers, oversized items or excess baggage.
Are the swimming pools supervised?
All three properties have swimming pools. Staff supervision arrangements and opening hours must be confirmed with each accommodation. Children must remain under the close supervision of a parent or responsible accompanying adult, both at the pools and on the beach.
Can we extend the beach stay or change the accommodation?
Yes. Ask for additional Diani nights, alternative properties or revised room arrangements when enquiring. We will check availability and provide a revised quotation, including any changes to flights and transfers.
Related Kenya Family Safari Packages
Compare these alternatives if you would prefer more safari destinations, a shorter holiday or a different route to the coast.
9 Days Kenya Family Budget Safari
Explore Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara on a family itinerary focused on wildlife and varied landscapes. A useful alternative for families who prefer more safari time to a beach stay.
9 Days Kenya Wildlife & Diani Beach Tour
Combine Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli with Diani Beach. Consider this option if visiting several wildlife areas is a higher priority than spending longer at each accommodation.
7 Days Tsavo West & East Safari with Diani Beach Holiday
Discover Tsavo West and Tsavo East, followed by time at Diani Beach. This shorter safari-and-coast alternative can be tailored with family accommodation, subject to availability.
Each package has its own accommodation, child rates and inclusions. Request a quotation for your travel dates and children’s ages before comparing final family costs.
Author & Editorial Review
Written by John Peter | 16+ Years of East Africa Safari Experience
John Peter is a Senior East Africa Safari Specialist & Operations Manager at African Paradise Safaris. Based in Nairobi, he plans family holidays across Kenya and East Africa, coordinating safari routes, accommodation, guides, domestic flights and transfers.
For this itinerary, his planning focuses on practical family room arrangements, comfortable safari days and well-timed connections between the Masai Mara, Diani Beach and Nairobi.
Editorial review: African Paradise Safaris Planning Team
Last updated: 5 November 2026
Accommodation availability, flight schedules and the final family price are reconfirmed in your written quotation.
Check Dates & Availability
Plan your 10 Days Kenya Family Safari & Diani Beach Holiday with African Paradise Safaris. Enjoy three nights in the Masai Mara and five nights at Diani Beach, with family accommodation, domestic flights and transfers included.
From USD 3,295 per adult sharing, based on two adults travelling together. Children’s rates apply separately.
Send us your preferred dates and children’s ages to receive a personalised quotation with room arrangements, availability and your total family price.
